How can an Unemployed Registered Nurse Claim Licensing Fees?

[mofhasan]

Hi There!

I wanted to know if I can write off my license fees as a Registered Nurse, even though I am not currently working as one. 

I am a Registered Nurse, licensed under 2 states. 

I have not been working as an RN for the past couple of years, but have been keeping up with my licensing...just in case I need it for later. The cost includes licensing fees as well as continuing education courses to meet the licensing requirements. 

I am filing taxes because I am self-employed as a digital marketer. 

Is there any way I can write off my RN license fees?

If so, where can I? I am using the Turbo Tax software for self-employed and am not sure where to include this.

Thank you very much in advanced for your time and attention. 

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Sorry--no---you cannot deduct your licensing fees on your federal tax return.  Your state laws might be different.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4482873-which-federal-tax-deductions-have-been-suspended-by-tax-re...

[AnnetteB6 · Accepted solution]

No, unless you were self-employed as a registered nurse or in another field pertaining to nursing, then there is not an avenue available to deduct the cost of your licensing.

However, the cost of your continuing education courses (if used to acquire or improve job skills) may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit.  

Since your self-employed business is in a different field, you cannot deduct these expenses as part of that Schedule C.

@mofhasan